As Lyft Fights Back in St. Louis, Rival App Uber Gets Support from Mayor Slay

Mayor Francis Slay says he's urging the Metropolitan Taxicab Commission to accept proposed changes that would allow Uber, a ride-sharing app like Lyft or Carmel, to go live in St. Louis.

Uber's rival Lyft launched in St. Louis a week ago, despite not obtaining licensing from the taxi commission. Three drivers have been cited for illegally operating a ride-for-hire service, and a judge granted a temporary restraining order against the company soon thereafter.

"[Uber] has led me to believe that if those changes were made, it would abide by the other 80 pages of regulations and would seek certification from the commission," Slay posts on Facebook. "Time will tell if Lyft ultimately opts to follow its larger competitor's useful example."

John Zimmer, cofounder of Lyft, sent the app's users explaining the company's legal troubles in St. Louis.

"As pioneers of peer-to-peer transportation, we are revolutionizing how people get around and connect with their neighbors," Zimmer says. "But change raises challenges from those who want to preserve the status quo."

The letter deftly avoids the question of whether Lyft drivers are still working in St. Louis, but ever since the injunction started, fewer and fewer drivers have been active on the app.

Lindsay Toler

The first Lyft driver is cited in St. Louis.

"We are pursuing all legal avenues to defend Lyft and our community members, and will keep working with city officials to find a solution that puts the interests of the people of St. Louis first."

Spencer says she has noticed one local politician, Mayor Slay, who is "embracing innovative transportation options." Slay says he's asking the taxi commission to change laws that prevent companies like Uber to operate in St. Louis.

"I support technology, including so-called 'disruptive' technology," Slay says. "I also believe that no matter how sophisticated the technology is, regulations to protect public safety are generally necessary, and should always be enforced. So: We need rules, but they have to be smart."

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Women in New York have probably heard similar statements quite often, and more so the female taxi drivers in the city.

But, not anymore.

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Once this plays out, they'll be okay. It's competition and it's the very essence of American capitalism. The Cab companies will need to adjust their business model, but right now they're just jumping up and down crying foul. As long as uber and lyft have to adhere to the same safety regulations, I see no issue.